“I’m so incredibly honored to work with this organization, and to help for such a worthy cause. Please take a look at the great pieces of jewelry that they were able to make from my guitar strings. All proceeds go to help those with breast cancer.”

Elisa Guida, a two-time breast cancer survivor and jewelry designer, transforms guitar strings into one-of-a-kind bracelets, earrings, pendants and rings. Net proceeds are used to fund the foundation’s efforts to educate, comfort and support cancer patients. The foundation focuses primarily on helping those with breast cancer.

The StringsforaCURE™ Foundation helps women and men diagnosed with cancer, primarily breast. Our mission is to provide education, comfort and support to cancer patients, focusing on the breast cancer patient. We help the patient directly by providing gas, grocery or pharmacy gift cards. We also provide educational materials, comfort baskets and medical grants. We want to ease the burden during their cancer journey. We raise awareness on how important nutrition and wellness plays a part in the recovery of the cancer patient.

National and international musicians donate their used guitar strings to StringsforaCURE™, and I transform them into one-of-a-kind bracelets, earrings, pendants and rings. We also raise funds through our online Virtual Quilt, our Pennies2Patients Program and Pickin’ On Cancer fundraiser and also through private donations.

My dream is to recruit many nationally known musicians – including Eric Clapton, Sheryl Crow, Paul McCartney and Bruce Springsteen, among many others – to donate their strings to the foundation. We have received strings from several famous musicians, such as Jon Bon Jovi, Melissa Etheridge, Paul Rodgers, Joe Bonamassa to mention a few. -Elisa Guida, Executive Director

The StringsforaCURE foundation is a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit organization, and a Green Foundation. Their jewelry is made in the U.S.A. with net proceeds used to fund the foundation’s efforts to educate, comfort and support cancer patients.

Pobre Meow. Last month El Gato Gordito made his way onto the world’s stage (well national television), and even on to the lap of America’s greatest talk show host, Anderson Cooper.

Now the famous tabby from Santa Fe, New Mexico is no more. After the whirl-wind press tour in which Meow’s plight to beat the bulge was made public, Meow was back home in NM, where he had been turned in to the Santa Fe Humane Society by his elderly owner whom could no longer care for him.

The Humane Society immediately set about with a regimen designed to save Meow’s life by aiming to cut down his morbidly obese weight, of 39 lbs. by at least 10.

Unfortunately, Meow lost his fight against the weight over the weekend. Santa Fe Animal Shelter executive director Mary Martin released the following announcement via facebook this morning:

Dear Friends,

I am devastated to share with you that the respiratory distress that Meow was experiencing last week (the reason we did not do his weigh-in) took his life at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 5. The Shelter staff – along with all those who met Meow during his short time with us – mourn his passing. As many of you are aware, Meow began wheezing last Thursday in his foster home, Dr. Jen began trying to sort out the problem, at first considering the possibility of asthma associated with his weight. She started treatment immediately to ease his breathing and, when Meow didn’t improve, she sought additional help for him from our emergency specialty hospital and an additional private veterinary hospital. Although four different veterinarians worked with Meow, we were unable to stop the progression of what turned out to be pulmonary failure. Meow had been doing so well in his foster home; walking up stairs and seeking affection – that it is so very hard to believe he is gone. We will forever be grateful for the attention Meow’s size brought to pet obesity and to animal shelters across the country. We are especially grateful to all of you who fell in love with this charming cat – as we did – and were so very interested in his progress and success.
With gratitude,
Mary Martin

Sweet, furry reminder of the toll weight takes on the body. And with all due respect proof that even the healing hands of Anderson Cooper cannot save a losing battle.

Adios Meow. Rest in peace and may your story save many lives, feline and otherwise.

This whole lotta good looks and drive is now OFFICIALLY the picture of health for Max Muscle!

You’ve seen him on “Crash the series” or guest starring as “Shank” on In Plain Sight – now NM’s Own Vince McDaniel will be making his first public appearance in his latest role as spokesbodyperson for Max Muscle Sports Nutrition.

Come join him as he will be taking promotional pictures for his new Max Muscle Albuquerque campaign with friends and celebrity guests. The Albuquerque Journal will be on site interviewing Vince along with local TV stations.

“I realize how big this opportunity is. It allows me to be seen on a totally different level, one I have only dreamed of. I must follow the plan that has been laid out for me in order to be more healthy in every day life and to be more successful on film. Max Muscle Albuquerque is a great organization with a great philosophy, to look better naked! ” – Vince McDaniel

Multiple sclerosis is a progressive neurological disease that affects people in many different ways. It could be paralysis one day, loss of vision the next or impaired memory the day after that. Living with MS means living with uncertainty.

When it comes to MS, only two things are certain:

· Another American is newly diagnosed every hour of every day.

· Many people are joining the movement toward a world free of MS including me.

Why We’re Biking

We’ve registered for the Bike MS: Pedal los Pueblos 2011 because we want to experience a great, organized ride, and to help the National MS Society fund research, advocate for change, and help people with MS and their families lead powerful lives. We believe in the work they do and want to be part of it.

Ladies FYI Victoria Beckham née Adams aka Posh Spice is the only woman in the world with clearance from the aliens to perpetrate their look and make it work.

And by “make it work”, I’m talking to you LeAnn. No matter how skinny you get, or how you manipulate those bolt-ons, or how many diamond rings you buy yourself, your husband‘s fidelity is up for grabs – as demonstrated by his cheating ways, as perpetrated with you!

Guilt mixed with insecurity – it’s a helluva drug. And I for one believe that THIS IS NOT THE LOOK. Please drop the Jack Skellington look and eat something like a heaping bowl of self confidence!

“Let’s face it Ladies… Sometimes you act like a Crazy Bitch… you don’t know why and you can’t help it. We know, we’ve been there! At times like this you need a little help… and no, not psychological help!

We know that when you are feeling good you make the world a better place. So take a moment to have a cup of tea and a laugh with assurance that this formula was created with the greater good in mind, and remember… you really only want to unleash your inner Crazy Bitch when you need her!

Our Master Tea Blender and sister Crazy Bitch, Lynn Higgin, has created this special formula to assist you in maintaining balance and reclaiming your divine feminine power. Blended with love and acceptance, the ingredients included in this tea were specifically chosen to gently maintain your body’s natural balance, particularly when taken at regular intervals.”

Love it, hate it or debate it Medical Marijuana is here New Mexico! As we’ve brought you here the first ever Medical Marijuana Natural Healing Expo is on its way. Get informed, involved and active by participating in the upcoming expo here.

And make your voice heard TOMORROW…

Notice of Public Hearing:

The New Mexico Department of Health will hold a Medical Cannabis Advisory Board meeting to review and recommend to the department the approval of additional debilitating medical conditions that would benefit from the medical use of cannabis. The meeting will be held on Wednesday, May 25, 2011 from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. in the Harold Runnels Building Auditorium, located at 1190 St. Francis Drive, Santa Fe, New Mexico.

It looks like the national crusade for abstinence has a new face on the same old, young spokesperson. “Teen advocate” Bristol Palin showed off her new Kardash-like locks, framing a very different looking mug today on Good Morning America.

The abstinence preacher appears to have been Gretta Van Susterened – but unlike the adult news anchor who drew the YOWZAS from her audience and beyond when she got all life-style lift like, Palin may now also be seen as an advocate for major and pricey cosmetic makeovers if not full facial reconstruction for those just out of their teens.

Glass Soapbox: Protect and Reserve

Females are born with their ovaries and all of the approximately 2 million “eggs” they will ever have, which formed in the second trimester of fetal development.

And as I’ve regaled you with before, the highest U.S. birth rates are recorded in July and August translating to most impregnations occurring in and around November.

That is why today’s been officially designated (in my mind) as “Preserve an Egg Day”, it is this day in “Zip Your Pants and Close Your Legs” (ZPCL) MONTH that I invite you to talk with girls and women in your life to remind them of just how precious every one of their millions of ova really are.

With us since before our own birth and with us til death when brought forth as to become another human being. It’s your body, it’s your call – reserve that egg or step-up in a big, big way. You seminal carriers are invited and celebrated over these holidays too!

Please refrain from unleashing your insemination if you can’t make what springs forth as a result the center of your universe and/or if your ovarian target isn’t already the most important person in your life.

Lastly, you know those horrific news reports of what goes on in this world? From the disgruntling to the completely disturbing? Spare everyone some of that by preserving an egg today!

The first annual Medical Marijuana Health & Healing Expo of New Mexico is coming!

This epic, first-time ever event of its kind for New Mexico is being put together to educate and aid those who have a condition(s) that allows them to legally use Medical Marijuana as a safe alternative to Western Medicine.

Organizers are currently seeking beautiful men and women to be Kush Bunnies and Hemp Men for the event!

Selected talent will be presenting event materials to the thousands expected to attend!

Bert is gonna be all over this – Like Mayor Berry (a.k.a. The Duke) on pigeon poop, Sesame Street’s resident pigeon lover may soon be on the case!

Much like Susana Martinez and Jan Brewer before her, poo-pooing all over human rights the immigrant situation, an infestation of pigeons are crapping hazards down all over our fair city and the government is about to intervene (with our input).

Mayor Berry & co. want to control the pigeon situation for our protection. The birds are over breeding causing health and safety concerns for the Q and beyond.

Bert is not likely gonna sit for any of this. Not only is he open to all race, creed, color, orientation and fabrics, he also LOVES the poop machines that are pigeons.

We expect a certain long faced, orange nosed celebrity sighting of the muppet variety in the Q shortly, as The Duke will soon put out the force on pigeon hoarders, boarders and subsidizors.

Keep your eyes peeled for Bert wearing an “FTS” sticker on his iconic stripped shirt over classic white Turtle-neck. He’s sure to protest at city hall with an entire flock of his feathered lovers in tow.

In the meantime read-up on the problems pigeons unleash on our fair city here and submit thoughtful and realistic ideas on how to control the pigeon population here before the fuzzy-white-haired, friend to all animal friends, Bob Barker descends and is mistakenly taken out by a hunt-happy Sarah Palin on her next visit here to endorse something Susana.

UPDATE 1/19/11: KOB-TV Fact Check on *hot button statement in Governor Martinez’s State of the State ATTACK ON FILM Address here.

While Louisiana, Texas and the very birthplace of “Hollywood”, among other states ramp-up their Film Incentives (already landing several projects that have pulled out of NM due to the uncertainty of state film futures) to COMPETE with New Mexico, our new leader proposes lowering our incentives and ranking as a leader in global Film Production, i.e. sending NM film jobs and revenue to our competitors.

“In order to protect classroom spending in education and basic health care for those most in need we must find savings elsewhere. That’s why I propose reducing the state’s film subsidy from 25 percent to 15 percent, which is where it first started. This has been incorrectly referred to as a tax credit. It has nothing to do with taxes. The way it works is when a film is made in the state, New Mexico taxpayers cover 25 percent of the costs. It’s a simple and straight-forward subsidy – 25 cents on the dollar. And it’s been taken advantage of … One film company spent $100,000 chartering an actor’s private jet and New Mexico *taxpayers paid $25,000 of it.“

This very intentional and direct link obviously means that there is absolutely no other way to provide health care and improve education in the state but to effectively annihilate the New Mexico Film Industry…

It’s a New Year and everybody will be bombarded with “new you” images – Well we don’t subscribe to that, but we do subscribe to THIS!

Fitness Model Robin Decker can whip your a** into shapes that will mystify, train your mentality towards a healthier lifestyle and/or you can just be dazzled and inspired by her rockin’ physic for the next 12 months (that’s what we’re doin’).

“Robin Decker is a mother, figure & bikini competitor, model, writer, and a martial arts student. For most of her life she suffered from eating disorders, but is now recovered & striving to help others use her methods to get and stay healthy.

Robin is a Fitness & Nutrition Coach, Certified in Personal Training & Sports Nutrition, and is currently a student in Psychology & Nutrition/Dietetics.

Her goal is to be a role model to many around the world and to help one person at a time reach their health and fitness goals, beat their disorder, if they have one- whatever it may be, and to find peace through exercise and a healthful relationship with food.

Robin is very dedicated to helping each person with their goals, addressing their needs like no other!

Robin provides her clients with personalized meal plan & vitamin regimens, as well as individualized exercise plans- based on their goals & physical needs.

You can help the YWCA to continue to provide life-saving mammograms to women in need. We have reached nearly 210,000 women through our program since 1994. BUT NOW, THE COMMUNITY’S NEED HAS NEVER BEEN GREATER!

Join us for an inspirational fundraising rally beginning at 9:00 am with registration and breakfast at the YWCA’s Piñon Canyon Center in Tijeras. Riders will cruise by beautiful ponderosa forests in the east mountains, ending up at Billy’s Long Bar on San Mateo in Albuquerque!

Veteran New Mexico chocolatier Scott Van Rixel has applied to trademark “Bhang, the original cannabis chocolate,” for his premium chocolate, medicinal confectionery.

New Mexico will be missing out on the buck from the Bhang because state laws currently prohibit the production of marijuana into the chocolate delivery system as developed by Van Rixel and his industry partner Robert Martin, Ph.D.

Furthermore because of Federal interstate commerce laws when the pair are basically forced to abscond from the state to manufacture their recipe elsewhere it won’t even be available to New Mexico where it is approved for administration as medical treatment for a long list of ailments and diseases.

Much ado about red tape which reminds me of my favorite Val Kilmer performance ever where he spins the tale of how the Microsoft trademark like “Bhang, the original cannabis chocolate,” has its origin in Nuevo México who’s binding it up and kicking it to Cali.

The antioxidant rich, medicinal stuff may not hit the market making Van Rixel & Co. the Bill Gates of reffer meds, but it’s a shame to see a good business man/plan have to go.

When the patriarch of our family was first diagnosed in the early stages of prostate cancer it was oddly sobering when a very sexy scientist told me that most men will be affected by prostate cancer at some point in their life.

Maybe not so odd when you consider that the number one thought of comfort to fearful flyers is that they are not alone on their flight (even above their faith), and like air travel you don’t have to fly alone in your fight against cancer.

Fact is, prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men after lung – but fortunately it is one of the most treatable.

Unfortunately, a walk to the Doc’s office isn’t always the easiest to take or make with or for you or your man. NM’s Own Joe Diaz is at the helm in spreading awareness of early detection, treatment and support for affected families.

Join Joe and the Prostate Cancer Support Association of New Mexico (pcsanm.org) on Saturday June 12 for the first annual 5k Prostate Cancer Awareness Walk.

Location: Balloon Fiesta Park
5000 Balloon Fiesta Parkway

Cost: $25/Person
$45/Family
$20 per person for a team of 2
or more

Tie a blue ribbon on and take care of you, yours and our community by participating.